WAP - Summary

In this tutorial, you have been introduced to all the basic concepts of WAP and WML, WMLScript, and the WAP architecture.

WAP key features benefits have also been discussed together with a look at what the future holds in this quickly moving market.

What is Next ?

Now you have basic understanding on WAP. The next step after WAP can be to learn any of the following technologies.

GPRS (General Packet Radio System):

A packet-switched wireless protocol with transmission rates from 115Kbps to 171Kbps. It will be the first service available to offer full instant wireless access to the Web. A main benefit is that users are always connected online, and will be charged only for the amount of data that is transported.

For GSM providers, this new technology will increase data rates of both circuit switching (High Speed Circuit Switched Data [HSCSD]) and packet switching (GPRS) by a factor of 10 to 15 times.

EDGE (Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution):

A higher bandwidth version of GPRS with speeds of up to 384Kbps, or twice that available from GPRS alone.

It evolved from GSM, which is the prevailing standard throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

For GSM providers, this new technology will increase data rates of both circuit switching (HSCSD) and packet switching (GPRS) by a factor of 20 to 30 times.

HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data):

A new high-speed implementation of GSM data techniques. It uses four radio channels simultaneously and will enable users to access the Internet via the GSM network at very much higher data rates than at present. Data rates can be transmitted at 38.4Kbps or even faster over GSM networks.

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System):

UMTS will allow a future mass market for high-quality wireless multimedia communications that will approach two billion users worldwide by the year 2010.

This new technology will deliver low-cost, high-capacity wireless communications, offering data rates of 1Mbps to 2Mbps with global roaming and other advanced UMTS services.

Now, if you need more detail about WAP technology then I would recommend you to go through other WAP resources listed in WAP Useful Resources chapter.